Ó CEALLAIGH, Seán T. [Sean T. O’Kelly]  Bunreacht na hÉireann. Constitution of Ireland (Signed copy with original mass card)

Baile Átha Cliath: Oifig Díolta Foillseacháin Rialtais, 1945. 8vo. pp. 214. Original green cloth, title, ‘Éire’ and date lettered in gilt to upper cover. Some browning and light spotting to endpapers, otherwise a very good copy.

Signed by Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh (Seán T. O’Kelly) in a large hand on the front free endpaper. Together with his memorial card bearing a photographic portrait.

Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh (1882–1966) was one of the principal political figures of revolutionary and independent Ireland. A member of Sinn Féin from its early years, he participated in the events surrounding the Easter Rising and subsequently served as envoy of the Irish Republic in Paris. He held a succession of senior ministerial offices under Éamon de Valera before succeeding Douglas Hyde as the second President of Ireland in 1945, serving two terms until 1959.

This 1945 edition of the Constitution is particularly appropriate as a presidential association copy: the year of publication was also the year in which Ó Ceallaigh was elected and inaugurated President of Ireland. His substantial autograph, together with the accompanying Irish-language memorial card recording his presidency from 1945–1959 and his death on 23 November 1966, gives the volume an attractive and direct association with the early Irish State.

[L4 10A]